Are you looking for a rewarding career in early childhood education?
The Victorian Government is supporting a range of courses through the Early Childhood Tertiary Partnerships (ECTP) program. Each course has been designed to provide the benefits and supports that you might need while you study.
The ECTP program is offered through universities, TAFEs and RTOs in Victoria. Some providers focus on specific locations to meet areas of high demand for teachers and educators.
Choosing the course that is right for you
You can choose from a range of different course and provider options to suit your needs, such as:
- 'learn and earn’ as an in-service trainee while studying
- study locally or for free by accessing Free TAFE courses in early childhood education in your local area
- choose a format and pace that suits you, whether online or on-the-job, part-time or full-time
- benefit from customised programs that set you up for success, including mentoring, job-ready training or tailored recruitment advice
- apply for generous scholarships of up to $25,000 to support you while you learn and transition to work, where eligible
- access additional learning support and childcare, where available.
The ECTP program also includes a range of tertiary courses for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds by providing additional support, such as:
- in-language supports to enrol and complete your studies
- academic and workplace mentors who are culturally responsive.
Who can apply
Opportunities to study early childhood education are available across Victoria for:
- new students, including people with a range of backgrounds and experiences
- educators who are interested in upskilling by earning a higher vocational qualification
- educators who are interested in upskilling to become an early childhood teacher, by completing a teaching qualification
- degree-qualified people who are looking to upgrade their qualification or move into a teaching role from other disciplines.
Learn more about becoming an educator or an early childhood teacher through the ECTP program.
Become an educator
To become an early childhood educator, you need to complete either a:
- Certificate III in Early Childhood Education and Care, or
- Diploma of Early Childhood Education and Care.
Follow the link to learn more about a career as an educator.
How to apply
Applications to enrol can be made directly through the university, TAFE or RTO weblink below.
If you wish to look at other providers who deliver Certificate III and Diploma courses, outside of the ECTP Program, visit Find an early childhood education course.
Become a teacher
To become an early childhood teacher, you need to complete either a:
- Bachelor of Early Childhood Education,
- Master of Early Childhood Teaching, or
- Graduate Diploma in Early Childhood Education.
How to apply
Learn more about a career as an early childhood teacher.
For other providers outside of the ECTP Program, visit Find an early childhood education course.
Placements in early childhood services
High-quality placements are an essential part of your studies.
Placements provide the hands-on practical, experience you need to become a confident and skilled early childhood teacher or educator. This includes understanding your role in creating safe and supportive learning environments for children.
To help you understand how to support child safety while on placement, please see information for placement students in Early Childhood Education and Care services.
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